Tony Walker has been part of the ITV social experiment for six decades, and reflected on his journey in the final chapter of 70 Up.
Tony and his wife Debbie, who featured alongside him in the later episodes of the series (Image: ITV)
One of the original 7 Up kids has reflected on his life over the last six decades, admitting his “regretful behaviour”.
Tony was one of 14 children selected to share a glimpse into their lives in 1964, with cameras returning for one final time for 70 Up. He joined 10 of his co-stars to film what his life is like now and look back on his journey.
The ITV show also paid tribute to two stars who had sadly died, Lynn and Nick, and featured Charles, who had chosen not to be a part of the series since 21 Up.
ITV previously teased: “Seven decades. One extraordinary experiment. The groundbreaking documentary series returns to meet the people we first saw as 7-year-olds as they reflect on life at 70.”
As part of his final interviews, taxi driver Tony shared a “heartbreaking” moment in his life where he gave up being a jockey, before moving on to an acting career. He also spoke about being a father and his marriage to his wife Debbie.
Over the years, the pair spoke about the difficulties they’d faced in their marriage, and “regretful behaviour” Tony had been prone to.
Speaking in 70 Up, his wife said: “I don’t really know how I’ve got over things with him, to be honest. Sometimes, I don’t feel that I have, to be perfectly honest with you. But I’m still here. What can I say?”
“We are, aren’t we?” Tony replied. “I’ve always loved you from the moment I met you, despite anything I’ve done, but saying that, I’m here, you’re here, we’re still here after 46 years,” reports the Express.
He added, “I’ve fulfilled everything I wanted to do, silly as it may seem. I’m at the last nine holes of my life at 70 years old, and very happy in my semi-retirement.”
After the news that 70 Up would be airing on ITV this September, viewers reflected on what the series has meant to them over seven decades. One wrote: “In my opinion, the greatest TV documentary series of all time!”
They continued: “I am very biased, and I’m not sure all the participants would agree with me. Fair play to those who have survived and agreed to continue with the project! A must-watch, I have no doubt it will be an incredibly emotional watch!! For anyone who wants to see 63 up, it includes highlights of every year from the start.”
Another agreed, saying: “Absolutely. I was 70 in January. Throughout all the series, it’s been like watching my own life.” A third wrote: “I agree, I found I really cared about each of them. They exposed their human qualities and vulnerability.”
Someone else commented: “I’ve just rewatched the entire series on YouTube and I’m amazed to realize I was roughly the same age as the participants. I’m so invested in seeing how their lives have unfolded.”
Yet another said, “I have grown up through the decades with this documentary. It has mirrored my ageing process. A brilliant series from first programme to what will be the last.”
Someone else echoed: “I have watched this over the years, but just done a binge catch-up on ITVX. It is so good. I am looking forward to 70 Up.”
70 Up is available to watch on ITVX and continues on Tuesday, 22 September.
